Pope Benedict XVI holds final audience before retirement

February 27, 2013

More than 150,000 faithful descended on the Vatican to bid the church leader goodbye

Franco Origlia/Getty Images

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VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: General view as Pope Benedict XVI attends his final general audience in St. Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements.

Franco Origlia/Getty Images

23of47

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 27: General view as Pope Benedict XVI attends his final general audience in St. Peter's Square on February 27, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pontiff attended his last weekly public audience before stepping down tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI has been the leader of the Catholic Church for eight years and is the first Pope to retire since 1415. He cites ailing health as his reason for retirement and will spend the rest of his life in solitude away from public engagements.